TAUNT Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'taunt' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of taunt are deride , mock , and ridicule . While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge. // hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Q: When could 'deride' be used to replace 'taunt'?

The words deride and taunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule. // derided their efforts to start their own business

Q: When would 'mock' be a good substitute for 'taunt'?

Although the words mock and taunt have much in common, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference. // youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

Q: In what contexts can 'ridicule' take the place of 'taunt'?

The synonyms ridicule and taunt are sometimes interchangeable, but ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling. // consistently ridiculed everything she said

taunt 1 of 2

verb

ˈtȯnt

Definition of taunt next

as in to tease

to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults the principal reminded the student athletes that taunting their opponents was not showing good sportsmanship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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taunt

2 of 2

noun

as in jeer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word taunt distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of taunt are deride, mock, and ridicule. While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

When could deride be used to replace taunt?

The words deride and taunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

When would mock be a good substitute for taunt?

Although the words mock and taunt have much in common, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

In what contexts can ridicule take the place of taunt?

The synonyms ridicule and taunt are sometimes interchangeable, but ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of taunt

Verb

The footage shows Caldwell calling the nearby Packers fans vulgar and sexist names, while taunting the man accompanying her with explicit gestures. —

Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025 At the precinct, Becca’s boyfriend, Nelson, confronts Spencer, blaming his recent press conference for taunting the cartels into revenge. —

Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2025

Noun

Opposing head coaches needed to be separated from one another after a taunt following an injury to a player during Tuesday's Citrus Bowl. —

Ryan Morik, Fox News, 1 Jan. 2025 That blinking cursor on the blank page is starting to look less like a taunt and more like an invitation to try something new. —

Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for taunt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for taunt

Verb

The creators tease that a metaphysical logic will be revealed later on in the series.

— Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2025
Beyoncé teased the tour over the weekend, first with a short clip on Netflix prior to their Beyonce Bowl and later on her own Instagram page.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025